Two uniformed police officers and a CPS social worker walked into the grand ballroom. The head officer approached Richard and immediately pulled out a set of steel handcuffs.
Police Officer: Richard Vance, you are under arrest for child trafficking, forgery, and falsifying legal documents. You have the right to remain silent.
Richard: Do you know who I am? Call my lawyer! Call the mayor!
Police Officer: Save it for the judge, sir. Put your hands behind your back.
As the officers led the disgraced billionaire out of his own gala in handcuffs, the crowd stood in utter silence. The glamour of the Vance fortune had vanished in a matter of minutes.
The social worker walked over to Clara, who was still kneeling on the floor, holding Toby tightly in her arms.
Social Worker: Clara Jenkins? We have verified the DNA match and the emergency custody order signed by the family court judge this afternoon. Temporary custody is granted to you effective immediately.
Clara: Thank you... oh God, thank you so much!
Toby wiped his tears with his small beige sleeve and looked up at Clara with a beaming smile.
Toby: Are we going home now, Mommy?
Clara: Yes, sweetie. We're going home for good. No more galas, no more fake smiles.
Toby: Can we get ice cream on the way?
Clara: We can get all the ice cream you want, baby.
Clara stood up, taking off her white maid apron and tossing it onto the marble floor beside Richard's broken glass. She lifted Toby into her arms, held his head against her shoulder, and walked out of the mansion into the warm evening air, leaving the world of billionaires behind forever.
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